Page 72 • The HERALD • 26th January 2023 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v Holbury Service Station Web: www.holburyservicestation.com Email: holburyservicestation@hotmail.co.uk Member of Good Garage Scheme.com TYRES FITTED WHILE-U-WAIT Budget and Branded tyres held in stock Long Lane, Holbury, SO45 2NZ Tel: 023 8089 3727 All Major Cards Accepted and Repairs to Cars & Vans MOT’S & SERVICING BLACKFIELD GARAGE SERVICES LTD Tel: (023) 8089 3146 MOT’s AND SERVICING, ACCIDENT REPAIRS, INSURANCE AND PRIVATE WORK FREE ESTIMATES EXHAUSTS AND BATTERIES ETC All makes and models of vehicle Courtesy cars available Members of the Retail Motor Industry Federation Blackfield Crossroads, Blackfield Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to keep your vehicle on the road in a safe manner • We offer all garage services including free collection and delivery from your home • We now offer Dpf cleaning - Injector cleaning - Turbo cleaning and Air intake cleaning to help your car run cleaner improving its performance and economy. • Good Garage Scheme – RMI – Trust my Garage Member MOT’s, TYRES, CLUTCHES, CAMBELTS, SERVICING, WELDING, DIAGNOSTICS, LASER-TRACKING. CARS, VANS UP TO 3.5T, MOTORHOMES UP TO 30’ 023 8001 0029 Badminston Lane, Fawley, SO45 1BX 023 8001 0029 MAJOR PHASE OF RESTORATION OF FOREST BEAUTY SPOT TO BEGIN THIS SPRING e relocation of the car park at Hatchet Pond, one of the UK’s most important ponds for nature, began on 23rd January with the location and nearby Hawkhill car park both closed until late Spring. e works are part of an ongoing action plan by Forestry England, Freshwater Habitats Trust and Natural England to restore the renowned beauty spot which has been under major threat from pollution and over-use. Hatchet Pond is the New Forest’s largest body of fresh water and home to some of the rarest wetland plants and freshwater animals long since lost from many other parts of the UK. As the most wildlife rich pond remaining in lowland England, it has the highest possible conservation status as both a Site of Special Scienti c Interest and a Special Area for Conservation and maintaining the health of the pond is a legal requirement. Its restoration began in 2019 a er analysis showed that the health of the water, and plants and wildlife that rely on it, were in severe decline. Actions already taken to improve the water quality include the removal of the toilet block which risked ooding into the pond, improved drainage to help prevent run o from the car park owing into the pond, the removal of non-native carp, and increased signage highlighting actions the public can take to protect the Pond when visiting. e next key phase of the restoration plan will take place this spring with the relocation of the car park to prevent pollution draining from it into the Pond. e approved planning permission will see the car park moved further away from the edge of the Pond whilst still retaining views over it. Given the ecological importance of the site the works will be carried out by specialist contractors, overseen by Forestry England’s ecology team, and take several months to complete. During the closure of the area, alternative parking is available at nearby Hatchet Moor and Stockley car parks. e public are asked during this time not to attempt to park close to the closed car parks or on verges as this can damage the landscape and prevent contractors from accessing the site and further delay the works. ose wanting to join the cycle network via Hawkhill car park can do so instead via nearby Rans Wood or Stockley car parks. Leanne Sargeant, Senior Ecologist for Forestry England, said: “Hatchet Pond is truly a special place. It is a haven for nature and home to some of the UK’s rarest species. It is also a highly valued location for people to come and appreciate its beauty. Taking action to protect this incredibly important location will help to ensure its long-term survival and that it is here for many more generations to enjoy. Whilst we complete the work, we ask people not to park on verges or in front of barriers and to choose an alternative location. We look forward to welcoming people back once the works are fully completed and thank them for their patience.” Dr Naomi Ewald from Freshwater Habitats Trust said: “Hatchet Pond is a unique place. There are no other waterbodies in lowland England which support the same number of plants and animals, and so many rarities which are in decline elsewhere. Taking actions to protect it help us protect this special area of the Forest and we are pleased to be supporting this project.” Jenny omas, New Forest Nature Recovery Senior Adviser, Natural England said: “Hatchet pond is of exceptional ecological value, supporting a staggering 133 wetland plant species, more than one third of all the wetland species in the UK, along with numerous invertebrates. Natural England are delighted that this programme of restoration, which will help to protect and restore Hatchet Pond for the benefit of all the plants and animals which depend on it, as well as safeguarding it for the enjoyment and wellbeing of New Forest residents and visitors.” For more information about Hatchet Pond and the restoration plan can be found at www.forestryengland.uk/ wildlife-hatchet-pond
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